The Woodman Institute Museum and the William Damm Garrison

Dedicated to the preservation of natural science, art/furniture and local history, the Woodman is often called a "museum's museum". The Woodman Institute is a true Turn of the Century institute with exhibits displayed through-out a four building complex that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A new adventure awaits visitors in each and every room.

Climb the narrow ladder stairs in the 1675 colonial garrison and wonder how someone like you could have slept in those old rope beds. See a 10-foot polar bear, four legged chicken and President Lincoln's saddle under one roof in the 1818 Woodman House. Admire the table used by Rev. Jeremy Belknap when he wrote the three volume "History of New Hampshire", the law desk used by Senator John Parker Hale and the pocket watch owned by Josiah Bartlett signer of the Declaration of Independence, in the 1813 Hale House.

The 1827 Keefe House is home to more than 7,000 historical and genealogical documents, including a 1771 tax bill from King George to the citizens of Dover. Minerals, fossils, birds, butterflies, mammals, shells, Indian artifacts, scrimshaw, ship models, musical instruments, pewter, china, glassware, antique dolls, police and firefighting equipment, paintings, mill memorabilia, even time capsules are just some of the many items that are on display.